Pryce Celebrates Dedication of New Air Traffic Tower

Port Columbus opens $18 million facility

Columbus, OH – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (OH-15^th) celebrated with hundreds of members of the central Ohio community and employees of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority the opening of a new, $18 million Air Traffic Control Tower at the Port Columbus International Airport.

“I am pleased to finally celebrate the fruits of an intense 7-year effort to build a new Air Traffic Control Tower for the City of Columbus,” said Pryce in a speech at the dedication ceremony.  “This tower is essential in providing for the safety and security of air passengers at Port Columbus, and is long overdue. 

“When we take our families on vacation, fly out on business travel, or have a relative come in to visit, we can rest easier knowing that the safety of our loved ones is being met appropriately.   Whether we are talking about initiatives like protecting our nation’s borders and critical infrastructure, or things like building a floodwall or a new Air Traffic Control Tower, our federal government is working to keep the residents of central Ohio and the country safe.

“Not only does the tower provide enhanced safety, but it will also allow for continued expansion of air service in and out of Columbus.  More travel choices in Columbus will promote economic growth in our region and create more jobs for central Ohio as well as increase the quality of life for our families and our friends.  

“This is an historic day for central Ohio, for the security and safety of our families, and for the economic potential that this tower could mean to our future.  It is with great satisfaction and pride that I celebrate today with you, the citizens of central Ohio, that our needs have been heard and met.”

The previous Air Traffic Control Tower, constructed in 1954, was the oldest facility in use of any airport in the country with similar levels of service.  The interior dimensions were insufficient to allow for planned technological upgrades, and occupational safety improvements had to be deferred.  The height of the previous tower would not allow for planned construction that could expand service into Port Columbus.  As a result of these shortcomings, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority approached Congresswoman Pryce in 1997 to fund the construction of a new tower through the Federal Aviation Administration.  In 1999, $17.6 million was appropriated by Congress to match the FAA’s funding request for this new tower. 

Congresswoman Pryce represents the Fifteenth District of Ohio, which includes Western Franklin County, Madison, and Union Counties.  She serves as Chairman of the House Republican Conference for the 108th Congress, making her the fourth ranking member of House leadership.